New children’s science and tech centre in Scunthorpe progresses
Permission has been granted for the redevelopment of St John’s Church
North Lincolnshire Council has got listed building consent for important changes to St John’s Church to progress its plans for a new children’s science and tech centre in Scunthorpe, which includes a ‘Big Wow!’ visitor attraction.
The council has previously announced plans for Discover@20-21, a £2.5m new children’s science and technology centre to be based in St John’s next to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre. Government Towns Fund cash is going towards it and it is expected to open later this year.
The science and technology centre will involve interactive displays. The listed consent covers the installation of new window dressings, a retractable gallery lighting system, a projector and window-inset projection panels, and the installation of gallery interactives.
The projector screens will be installed in the east chancel part of the church. Together with the interactive equipment, it will allow visitors to produce digital art, themed on science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) to display across the chancel at the push of a button.
A planning document states: “Primarily the projector and projection screen provides the central attraction of the interactive gallery and is intended as the ‘Big Wow!’ of the visitor attraction.”
Commenting on the planning approval, a council spokesperson said: “This application is part of the process to create a series of engaging interactive digital and physical stations designed to inspire young people to use their skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) to create unique outputs and solve puzzles. An exact opening date has not yet been set.”
The listed consent also covers the use of blackout blinds which, along with the retractable lights, will allow for the exhibition of light-sensitive or large-scale exhibits. For example, the likes of Luke Jerram’s Museum of The Moon, which has previously toured the region. The use of the blinds and retractable lights will reduce the requirement for high-level access equipment and costly hires, and make it easier to host larger-scale events.